1960 Gibson ES-355 – Cherry “Bernie”
If you’re looking for that incredibly unique piece with great character and fantastic tone, this 1960 Gibson ES-355 in Cherry custom-made for Bernie Smith is the one for you! Bernie Smith was a popular studio musician hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, and had a long career notably performing on WHAS Hayloft Hoedown and was a former member of Gene Autrey’s Melody Ranch in Hollywood, CA. In fact, you can even see him play this very guitar on several clips on Melody Ranch HERE. This truly is a one-of-a-kind piece, featuring “Bernie” in pearl on the bound ebony fretboard, mono wiring with selector switch on the horn and jack on the side, custom plaque and monoplaque, factory stop-tail, and an overall 23-1/2” scale, like a Byrdland. The factory PAFs sound incredible in any setting, and the worn in corners and compact scale Bernie used this guitar extensively, and replaced the nut, tailpiece, bridge, knobs and some screws to keep it functioning at its best. A custom engraved plate was installed just below the stop tail, and some waterslide decals used on that plate made their way to the headstock for a cool accent. The guitar is in overall good shape, with playwear, checking and patina present throughout.
Overall Condition: 7.5, playwear, patina and checking throughout
Specifications
- finish_details Cherry, Original, Good Condition with playwear, weather checking and patina throughout
- body_material Maple
- neck_material Mahogany
- fretboard_material Ebony
- neck_profile Medium C
- weight 8 lbs 3 oz
- scale_length 23-1/2"
- pickup_readings N: 7.68K B: 8.62K
- tubes
- speakers
- electronics Original, Untouched
- nut_width 1-9/16"
- hardware Later Bridge, tailpiece and knobs and skirts, remaining components original and in good condition with some wear to the gold plating
- includes Original Brown Hardshell Case with pink lining, strap, original knob skirts, and CDs with video
- year
Well Strung Guitars
Upon receipt, if you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you must notify WSG within 24 hours. We will refund your money as soon as the merchandise is returned to us in the same condition as when it shipped out. The customer is responsible for all shipping, insurance, and bank fees that may be incurred throughout the return process. All returns must be packaged in the same materials that the guitar was sent out to ensure the safety of the instrument. All claims regarding loss or damage are the responsibility of the purchaser.